When I first brought Nala home, I had no idea just how much she would change my life. She was found abandoned in an empty apartment. We adopted her from a local animal shelter and little did we know, she would be the one that ended up saving me.

Living with PTSD and anxiety meant that daily routines, crowded places, and even leaving the house could feel overwhelming. I knew I needed support beyond traditional therapy — I needed a companion who could understand me on a deeper level.

Training with Nala opened up a new world. Through structured lessons, positive reinforcement, and deep bonding, Nala began to recognize my triggers before even I did. She learned to interrupt dissociation, guide me to exits during panic attacks, and offer grounding pressure when I felt the world slipping away by putting her paw in my hand.

What I didn’t expect was how empowering the training process itself would be. I began to trust myself more — as a handler, as a partner, and as someone capable of building stability. With Nala by my side, I’ve been able to navigate situations I once avoided completely. Whether it’s flying internationally or simply running errands on a tough day, she’s given me back a sense of freedom and confidence.

Sharing our journey on TikTok (@couldabeendobby) has allowed me to connect with others on similar paths, and I hope our story helps someone else feel a little less alone.